Tommy McDonald

Thomas Franklin McDonald (July 26, 1934 – September 24, 2018) was an American professional football flanker who played in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, the Los Angeles Rams, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Cleveland Browns. He played college football as a halfback for the Oklahoma Sooners.

McDonald agreed to repeat the eighth grade, his father reasoning that the extra time would give him a chance to grow. He attended Roy High School in Roy, New Mexico, an enrollment of around 150 students during his freshman year, where he played quarterback. As a sophomore he transferred to Highland High School in Albuquerque. As a senior he averaged over 20 yards per carry in football and set the state scoring record with 157 points. He also set the city scoring record in basketball and won five gold medals at the state track meet, in the 100, the 220, the low hurdles, and two relays.

McDonald accepted a football scholarship from the University of Oklahoma, after the Oklahoma basketball coach Bruce Drake saw him play in an all-star football game. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.